Saturday, September 18, 2010

(Originally posted on August 1, 2010. Post-dated to keep this at the top. Other newer posts will appear below until 9/18)

As many of you may have heard by now, our beloved teammate Roy McConnell was tragically killed last night along with 3 of his sons by a DUI driver. The Blanchard Park Y Tri Club will dedicate our two August team races to him.

On Saturday, September 18 (new date!), we are racing a sprint tri locally at Moss Park (see Mango Tri Festival) and inviting EVERYONE who knew Roy to come join us to celebrate Roy's life and tri spirit. There are duathlon and aquabike options for those who would prefer to run-bike-run or swim-bike, as well as relay options. Even if you are not planning to race, you can attend as a spectator or volunteer and help pay tribute to an exeptional man, father and a team favorite, Roy McConnell. Please keep his family in your prayers.

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So sad Roy! We are all going to miss you. Thank you for the time that we got to know you. We'll always remember our "snorkler" swimmer who could swim circles around EVERYONE. We truly loved your encouragement and could see how our Lord was your hero. You are our hero too! We love you and we'll miss you.Coach Jackie

Roy, thank you for the long rides and many hours of conversations we shared together in training for Beach 2 Battleship iron tri last year. For finding me at the swim start and giving me some encouraging words before we got in that cold water. For the thumbs up you gave me on the bike as if to say 'go get 'em Shirley.' For the smile on the run course telling me 'we got this,' even as I struggled with extreme GI issues. For all the kind words you shared with me after I sprained my ankle at the Gator Half Iron and all the support you gave other team members at the workouts and races. No doubt it will take me a while to stop looking for you and your pink T-mobile bike on the roads but I know you will be with me in spirit ... Rest in peace, my friend.

Roy, I did not have the fortune of knowing you well in my brief time on tri with you, but you left a lasting impression nonetheless. Thank you for encouraging me to push a little harder when we warmed up at 6am, leading by example so that those around you could embrace their achievements no matter what their stage in training, and for living your life with class and compassion. Your life on Earth was cut short but your legacy remains in each of us who know you and those you've inspired us to touch. Thank you for being you. We'll miss you Roy.

My first experience with Roy was the Gator Half Iron Man and he wasn't even there. I needed a wetsuit and he gave his VERY nice suit to Jacklynn to bring to me even though we had never met before. I got the privilege to chat with Roy at dinner at St. Anthony’s and thank him for his generosity. We talked for a while and I got a brief glimpse into who he was. From the very brief time I spent with Roy, I can tell he was a great man.

* Please bring your bike and trainer to spin class if you have one as there are only 26 spin bikes in our facility.

Both Crews:
Monthly field trips on weekends to do long rides, brick (bike and run) workouts and open water swims as a group.

Looking to improve your overall health and performance? Want to swim, bike or run with others in East Orlando? If so, this club is for you! Triathletes come in all shapes and sizes and we cater to individuals of any fitness level - from beginners to advanced. Most of our members are relatively inexperienced in at least one discipline when they start out. This club is here to help motivate and coach you to achieve your fitness goals. Come join us - It's FREE!!! (You do need to be a YMCA member.)

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To get on our email list for the latest updates on practices & what to bring, or to ask questions, send an email to stroz0045@hotmail.com. For more info about the Blanchard Park YMCA, click here

Where do I begin? Natalie was the girl who looked at us and pointed saying we were all crazy for wanting to swim, bike, and run. She thought it was just too much. Now look at her....She's a TRIATHLETE herself! I love this. Natalie, you have a story for the people who think they can't do this. You've done it and you do it well. I appreciate how much you push yourself to do your best. You surprise yourself and I see you having more and more confidence in your abilities at each practice and in each race. Thank you for making me proud to say 'I coach her.' I look foward to your seasons coming up as I get to witness you achieve the unthinkable and do the impossible. You are a hero to all of us.
Coach Jacklynn